U.S. patent application number 11/927490 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-30 for system and method for virtual queuing.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Boeing Company. Invention is credited to William A. Harkness, Heidi J. Kneller, Calsee N. Robb, James P. Schalla, Buddy L. Sharpe.
Application Number | 20090112638 11/927490 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40584037 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090112638 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kneller; Heidi J. ; et
al. |
April 30, 2009 |
System and Method for Virtual Queuing
Abstract
A system for virtually queuing at least one passenger onboard a
mobile platform is provided. The system includes a source of user
input that enables the at least one passenger to request to be
placed in a virtual line. The system also includes a queuing
control module that generates queue data that includes at least one
next passenger in the virtual line from a list of the at least one
passenger requested to be placed in the virtual line. The system
further includes a notification control module that notifies the at
least one next passenger that the at least one passenger is next in
the virtual line based on an operating condition associated with
the mobile platform.
Inventors: |
Kneller; Heidi J.;
(Bellevue, WA) ; Robb; Calsee N.; (Seattle,
WA) ; Harkness; William A.; (Everett, WA) ;
Sharpe; Buddy L.; (Mill Creek, WA) ; Schalla; James
P.; (Edmonds, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS DICKEY & PIERCE, PLC
P.O. BOX 828
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48303
US
|
Assignee: |
The Boeing Company
Chicago
IL
|
Family ID: |
40584037 |
Appl. No.: |
11/927490 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/00 20130101;
G06Q 10/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/5 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/00 20060101
G06Q010/00 |
Claims
1. A system for virtually queuing at least one passenger onboard a
mobile platform comprising: a source of user input that enables the
at least one passenger to request to be placed in a virtual line; a
queuing control module that generates queue data that includes at
least one next passenger in the virtual line from a list of the at
least one passenger requested to be placed in the virtual line; and
a notification control module that notifies the at least one next
passenger that the at least one passenger is next in the virtual
line based oil an operating condition associated with the mobile
platform.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the virtual line comprises a
virtual line to access at least one lavatory on the mobile
platform.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the virtual line comprises a
virtual line to exit the mobile platform, and the request comprises
one of a request to exit the mobile platform first or a request for
assistance to exit the mobile platform.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the operating condition is
selected from the group comprising: an operating condition in which
the passengers are requested to fasten a seatbelt coupled to a seat
on the mobile platform, an input from a crew member of the mobile
platform, and combinations thereof.
5. The system of claim 2, wherein the operating condition is
selected from the group comprising: an operating condition in which
the passengers are requested to fasten a seatbelt coupled to a seat
on the mobile platform, an input from a crew member of the mobile
platform, an operating condition of the lavatory, and combinations
thereof.
6. The system of claim 2, wherein the queuing control module
further comprises: a source of mobile platform layout data that
provides a layout of the mobile platform; a source of occupant data
that indicates whether the lavatory is occupied by one of the
passengers on the mobile platform; a location control module that
determines a location of a passenger seat of the at least one
passenger based on the request and determines a location of a
lavatory nearest the passenger seat based on the location of the
passenger seat and the layout of the mobile platform; a queuing
data store that stores the list that includes the virtual line
associated with the at least one lavatory; a queuing module that
generates the queue data based on the occupant data and the virtual
line associated with the at least one lavatory; and wherein the
queuing module updates the list or generates a new list based on
the occupant data and the virtual line associated with the at least
one lavatory.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the queue data is generated if
the lavatory is empty, and the queuing module updates the list if
the lavatory is occupied.
8. The system of 3, wherein the queuing control module further
comprises: a source of mobile platform layout data that provides a
layout of the mobile platform; a source of passenger data that
indicates whether the at least one passenger who generated the
request has a connection after the arrival of the mobile platform;
a location control module that determines a location of a passenger
seat associated with the at least one passenger based on the
request; a queuing data store that stores the list that includes
the virtual line associated with the exit of the mobile platform;
and a queuing module that generates the queue data based on the
passenger data and the virtual line associated with the exit of the
mobile platform; and wherein the queuing module updates the list or
generates a new list based on the passenger data and the virtual
line associated with the exit of the mobile platform.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the new list is generated if the
passenger does not have a connection after the arrival of the
mobile platform or the request is for assistance to exit the mobile
platform.
10. The system of claim 5, wherein the notification control module
further comprises: a flight control module that determines, based
on the operating condition, whether to delay access to the at least
one lavatory; and a notification module that receives the queue
data and notifies the at least one next passenger that the at least
one passenger is next in the virtual line if the flight control
module does not determine to delay access to the at least one
lavatory.
11. The system of claim 4, wherein the notification control module
further comprises: a flight control module that determines, based
on the operating condition, whether to delay exit from the mobile
platform; and a notification module that receives the queue data
and notifies the at least one next passenger that the at least one
passenger is next in the virtual line if the flight control module
does not determine to delay exit from the mobile platform.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the notification control module
notifies the at least one next passenger that the at least one
passenger is next in the virtual line by one of the following: a
change in a reading light associated with at least one next
passenger, a symbol projected onto an area occupied by the at least
one next passenger, a message delivered through an entertainment
system associated with the at least one next passenger, a message
delivered to a personal computing device associated with the at
least one next passenger, a tactile signal in a seat associated
with the at least one next passenger, an auditory signal delivered
in range of the at least one next passenger, a visual signal on a
seatbelt associated with a seat of the at least one passenger and
combinations thereof.
13. A method of virtually queuing passengers onboard a mobile
platform comprising: generating a virtual line based on at least
one user input from at least one passenger seated in a passenger
seat onboard the mobile platform; queuing at least one next
passenger in the virtual line; and notifying the at least one next
passenger in the virtual line based on an operating condition
associated with the mobile platform, with notifying the at least
one next passenger including at least one of the following:
changing a visual output of a reading light associated with at
least one next passenger; projecting a symbol onto an area occupied
by the at least one next passenger; delivering a message through an
entertainment system associated with the at least one next
passenger; delivering a message to a personal computing device
associated with the at least one next passenger; generating a
tactile signal in a seat associated with the at least one next
passenger; delivering an auditory signal within an auditory range
of the at least one next passenger; notifying the at least one
passenger by generating a visual signal on a seatbelt associated
with the passenger seat of the at least one passenger; and
notifying the at least one next passenger through combinations
thereof.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein generating the virtual line
further comprises generating a virtual line to access at least one
lavatory on the mobile platform.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein generating the virtual line
comprises generating a virtual line to exit the mobile platform,
and the request comprises one of a request to exit the mobile
platform first or a request for assistance to exit the mobile
platform.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein generating the virtual line
further comprises: providing a layout of the mobile platform that
includes a location of the at least one lavatory and the location
of the passenger seat; providing an occupant sensor in the at least
one lavatory; sensing if the lavatory is occupied by one of the
passengers on the mobile platform; determining a location of the
passenger seat from the layout; determining a location of a
lavatory nearest the passenger seat based on the location of the
passenger seat and the layout; queuing the at least one passenger
that the lavatory nearest the passenger seat is available if the
occupant sensor in the lavatory signals that the lavatory is empty;
and updating the list to include the at least one passenger if the
occupant sensor signals that the at least one lavatory is
occupied.
17. The method of 15, wherein the queuing control module further
comprises: providing a source of passenger data that indicates
whether the at least one passenger who generated the request has a
connection after the arrival of the mobile platform; and queuing
the at least one next passenger to exit the mobile platform first
if the at least one next passenger has a connection after the
arrival of the mobile platform.
18. An aircraft comprising: a fuselage that includes at least one
door for exiting the aircraft and at least one lavatory, with exit
through the at least one door and access to the at least one
lavatory controlled by a virtual queuing control system including:
a queuing control module that generates queue data that includes a
virtual line for exit through the at least one door or access to
the at least one lavatory.
19. The aircraft of claim 18, further comprising a flight control
module that determines, based on an operating condition, whether to
delay access to the at least one lavatory or to delay the exit
through the at least one door; a notification module that receives
the queue data and notifies the at least one next passenger that
the at least one passenger is next in the virtual line if the
flight control module does not determine to delay access to the at
least one lavatory or exit through the at least one door; and
wherein the notification control module notifies the at least one
next passenger that the at least one passenger is next in the
virtual line by one of the following: a change in a reading light
associated with at least one next passenger, a symbol projected
onto an area occupied by the at least one next passenger, a message
delivered through an entertainment system associated with the at
least one next passenger, a message delivered to a personal
computing device associated with the at least one next passenger, a
tactile signal in a seat associated with the at least one next
passenger, an auditory signal delivered in range of the at least
one next passenger, a visual signal on a seatbelt associated with a
seat of the at least one passenger and combinations thereof.
20. The system of claim 18, wherein the queuing control module
further comprises: a source of mobile platform layout data that
provides a layout of the mobile platform; a source of occupant data
that indicates whether the lavatory is occupied by one of the
passengers on the mobile platform; a source of passenger data that
indicates whether the at least one passenger who generated the
request has a connection after the arrival of the mobile platform;
a location control module that determines a location of the
passenger seat based on the request, and determines a location of a
lavatory nearest the passenger seat based on the location of the
passenger seat; a queuing data store that stores the list that
includes the virtual line associated with the at least one lavatory
and the exit through the at least one door; and a queuing module
that generates the queue data based on the occupant data and the
virtual line associated with the at least one lavatory, and
generates the queue data based on the passenger data and the
virtual line associated with the exit of the mobile platform.
21. A system for virtually queuing at least one passenger onboard
an aircraft for access to at least one lavatory or for exiting the
aircraft comprising: a source of user input that enables the at
least one passenger to request to be placed in a virtual line to
access at least one lavatory onboard the aircraft or to exit the
aircraft, a source of aircraft layout data that provides a layout
of the aircraft, occupant data that indicates whether the lavatory
is occupied by one of the passengers on the aircraft and passenger
data that indicates whether the at least one passenger who
generated the request has a connection after the arrival of the
aircraft; a location control module that determines a location of a
passenger seat of the at least one passenger based on the request
and determines a location of a lavatory nearest the passenger seat
based on the location of the passenger seat and the layout of the
aircraft; a queuing module that generates queue data that includes
at least one next passenger in the virtual line from a list of the
at least one passenger requested to be placed in the virtual line,
the queue data based on the occupant data and the list associated
with the at least one lavatory, the queuing module updates the list
or generates a new list based on the occupant data and the virtual
line associated with the at least one lavatory; a flight control
module that determines, based on an operating condition, whether to
delay exit from the mobile platform the operating condition
selected from the group comprising: an operating condition in which
the passengers are requested to fasten a seatbelt coupled to a seat
on the aircraft, an input from a crew member of the aircraft, an
operating condition of the lavatory, and combinations thereof; a
notification module that receives the queue data and notifies the
at least one next passenger that the at least one passenger is next
in the virtual line if the flight control module does not determine
to delay access to the at least one lavatory or to delay exit from
the aircraft; and the notification module notifies the at least one
next passenger that the at least one passenger is next in the
virtual line by one of the following: a change in a reading light
associated with at least one next passenger, a symbol projected
onto an area occupied by the at least one next passenger, a message
delivered through an entertainment system associated with the at
least one next passenger, a message delivered to a personal
computing device associated with the at least one next passenger, a
tactile signal in a seat associated with the at least one next
passenger, an auditory signal delivered in range of the at least
one next passenger, a visual signal on a seatbelt associated with a
seat of the at least one passenger and combinations thereof.
22. A method of virtually queuing passengers onboard an aircraft
for access to at least one lavatory or for exiting the aircraft
comprising: generating a virtual line to access the at least one
lavatory on the aircraft or to exit the aircraft based on at least
one user input from at least one passenger seated in a passenger
seat onboard the aircraft; providing a layout of the aircraft that
includes a location of the at least one lavatory and the location
of the passenger seat, and a source of passenger data that
indicates whether the at least one passenger who generated the
request has a connection after the arrival of the mobile platform;
providing an occupant sensor in the at least one lavatory; sensing
if the lavatory is occupied by one of the passengers on the
aircraft; determining a location of the passenger seat from the
layout; determining a location of a lavatory nearest the passenger
seat based on the location of the passenger seat and the layout;
queuing the at least one passenger that the lavatory nearest the
passenger seat is available if the occupant sensor in the lavatory
signals that the lavatory is empty; updating the list to include
the at least one passenger if the occupant sensor signals that the
at least one lavatory is occupied; queuing the at least one next
passenger to exit the aircraft first if the at least one next
passenger has a connection after the arrival of the aircraft; and
notifying the at least one next passenger in the virtual line that
the at least one next passenger is next to access the lavatory or
exit the aircraft by at least one of the following: changing a
visual output of a reading light associated with at least one next
passenger; projecting a symbol onto an area occupied by the at
least one next passenger; delivering a message through an
entertainment system associated with the at least one next
passenger; delivering a message to a personal computing device
associated with the at least one next passenger; generating a
tactile signal in a seat associated with the at least one next
passenger; delivering an auditory signal within an auditory range
of the at least one next passenger; notifying the at least one
passenger by generating a visual signal on a seatbelt associated
with the passenger seat of the at least one passenger; and
notifying the at least one next passenger through combinations
thereof.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to organizing
passengers onboard a mobile platform, and more particularly to a
system and method for virtual queuing of passengers onboard a
mobile platform.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background
information related to the present disclosure and may not
constitute prior art.
[0003] Generally, mobile platforms (such as trains, ships, aircraft
and automobiles) have at least one lavatory that is accessible
during the operation or travel of the mobile platform. For example,
in the case of a commercial aircraft, the aircraft typically
includes at least one lavatory that is accessible by passengers and
crew onboard the aircraft during the duration of the flight when
the fasten seatbelts sign is not active. There may be occasions
when a waiting line will form to access the lavatory. The line of
passengers waiting for the lavatory may interfere with the movement
of the crew and other passengers, and it may be undesirable to have
passengers in a waiting line in case the aircraft encounters
turbulence. Further, due to disabilities, some passengers may not
be physically able to stand in line for the lavatory.
[0004] In addition, many mobile platforms (such as trains, ships,
aircraft and automobiles) have at least one door that enables
ingress and egress to the mobile platform. Typically, long lines
may form when passengers desire to exit the mobile platform. In the
case of a commercial aircraft, for example, the formation of long
lines may inhibit movement through the cabin by crew and may
interfere with the ability of certain passengers to timely board a
second aircraft to continue on their journey.
SUMMARY
[0005] A system for virtually queuing at least one passenger
onboard a mobile platform is provided. The system includes a source
of user input that enables the at least one passenger to request to
be placed in a virtual line. The system also includes a queuing
control module that generates queue data that includes at least one
next passenger in the virtual line from a list of the at least one
passenger requested to be placed in the virtual line. The system
further includes a notification control module that notifies the at
least one next passenger that the at least one passenger is next in
the virtual line based on an operating condition associated with
the mobile platform.
[0006] In one implementation, a method of virtually queuing
passengers onboard a mobile platform is provided. The method
includes generating a virtual line based on at least one user input
from at least one passenger seated in a passenger seat onboard the
mobile platform. The method also includes queuing at least one next
passenger in the virtual line. The method further includes
notifying the at least one next passenger in the virtual line based
on an operating condition associated with the mobile platform. The
method further includes notifying the at least one passenger by
changing a visual output of a reading light associated with at
least one next passenger, projecting a symbol onto an area occupied
by the at least one next passenger, delivering a message through an
entertainment system associated with the at least one next
passenger, delivering a message to a personal computing device
associated with the at least one next passenger, generating a
tactile signal in a seat associated with the at least one next
passenger, or notifying the at least on passenger by generating a
visual signal on a seatbelt associated with the passenger seat of
the at least one passenger and combinations thereof.
[0007] The present teachings also involves an aircraft. The
aircraft provides a fuselage that includes at least one door for
exiting the aircraft and at least one lavatory, with exit through
the at least one door and access to the at least one lavatory
controlled by a virtual queuing control system. The processes queue
data which includes a virtual line for exit through the at least
one door or access to the at least one lavatory.
[0008] A system for virtually queuing at least one passenger
onboard an aircraft for access to at least one lavatory or for
exiting the aircraft is provided. The system includes a source of
user input that enables the at least one passenger to request to be
placed in a virtual line to access at least one lavatory onboard
the aircraft or to exit the aircraft. The system also includes a
source of aircraft layout data that provides a layout of the
aircraft, occupant data that indicates whether the lavatory is
occupied by one of the passengers on the aircraft and passenger
data that indicates whether the at least one passenger who
generated the request has a connection after the arrival of the
aircraft. The system also includes a location control module that
determines a location of a passenger seat of the at least one
passenger based on the request and determines a location of a
lavatory nearest the passenger seat based on the location of the
passenger seat and the layout of the aircraft. The system also
includes a queuing module that generates queue data that includes
at least one next passenger in the virtual line from a list of the
at least one passenger requested to be placed in the virtual line.
The queue data is based on the occupant data and the list
associated with the at least one lavatory, and the queuing module
updates the list or generates a new list based on the occupant data
and the virtual line associated with the at least one lavatory. The
system further includes a flight control module that determines,
based on an operating condition, whether to delay exit from the
mobile platform the operating condition selected from the group
comprising an operating condition in which the passengers are
requested to fasten a seatbelt coupled to a seat on the aircraft,
an input from a crew member of the aircraft, an operating condition
of the lavatory, and combinations thereof. The system further
includes a notification module that receives the queue data and
notifies the at least one next passenger that the at least one
passenger is next in the virtual line if the flight control module
does not determine to delay access to the at least one lavatory or
to delay exit from the aircraft. The notification module further
notifies the at least one next passenger that the at least one
passenger is next in the virtual line by one of the following: a
change in a reading light associated with at least one next
passenger, a symbol projected onto an area occupied by the at least
one next passenger, a message delivered through an entertainment
system associated with the at least one next passenger, a message
delivered to a personal computing device associated with the at
least one next passenger, a tactile signal in a seat associated
with the at least one next passenger, an auditory signal delivered
in range of the at least one next passenger, a visual signal on a
seatbelt associated with a seat of the at least one passenger and
combinations thereof.
[0009] A method of virtually queuing passengers onboard an aircraft
for access to at least one lavatory or for exiting the aircraft is
provided. The method includes generating a virtual line to access
the at least one lavatory on the aircraft or to exit the aircraft
based on at least one user input from at least one passenger seated
in a passenger seat onboard the aircraft. The method also includes
providing a layout of the aircraft that includes a location of the
at least one lavatory and the location of the passenger seat, and a
source of passenger data that indicates whether the at least one
passenger who generated the request has a connection after the
arrival of the mobile platform. The method also includes providing
an occupant sensor in the at least one lavatory, and sensing if the
lavatory is occupied by one of the passengers on the aircraft. The
method comprises determining a location of the passenger seat from
the layout, determining a location of a lavatory nearest the
passenger seat based on the location of the passenger seat and the
layout, and queuing the at least one passenger that the lavatory
nearest the passenger seat is available if the occupant sensor in
the lavatory signals that the lavatory is empty. The method also
includes updating the list to include the at least one passenger if
the occupant sensor signals that the at least one lavatory is
occupied. The method comprises queuing the at least one next
passenger to exit the aircraft first if the at least one next
passenger has a connection after the arrival of the aircraft, and
notifying the at least one next passenger in the virtual line that
the at least one next passenger is next to access the lavatory or
exit the aircraft. The method includes notifying the at least one
next passenger by at least one of the following: changing a visual
output of a reading light associated with at least one next
passenger, projecting a symbol onto an area occupied by the at
least one next passenger, delivering a message through an
entertainment system associated with the at least one next
passenger, delivering a message to a personal computing device
associated with the at least one next passenger, generating a
tactile signal in a seat associated with the at least one next
passenger, delivering an auditory signal within an auditory range
of the at least one next passenger, notifying the at least one
passenger by generating a visual signal on a seatbelt associated
with the passenger seat of the at least one passenger, and
notifying the at least one next passenger through combinations
thereof.
[0010] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the
description provided herein. It should be understood that the
description and specific examples are intended for purposes of
illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the
present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The present disclosure will become more fully understood
from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a mobile platform
incorporating the system and method for virtual queuing according
to the principles of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 2A is a schematic illustration of a passenger onboard
the mobile platform of FIG. 1 interacting with an in-flight
entertainment system;
[0014] FIG. 2B is a schematic illustration of a lavatory onboard
the mobile platform of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a dataflow diagram illustrating an exemplary
virtual queueing control system of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a dataflow diagram illustrating an exemplary
queueing system of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of the passenger onboard
the mobile platform of FIG. 1 receiving a notification according to
the principles of the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 5A is a schematic illustration of the passenger onboard
the mobile platform of FIG. 1 receiving a notification according to
the principles of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 5B is a schematic illustration of the passenger onboard
the mobile platform of FIG. 1 without a notification;
[0020] FIG. 5C is a schematic illustration of the passenger onboard
the mobile platform of FIG. 1 receiving a notification according to
the principles of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 5D is a schematic illustration of a notification
displayed by the in-flight entertainment system;
[0022] FIG. 5E is a schematic illustration of a notification
delivered by a passenger seat onboard the mobile platform;
[0023] FIG. 5F is a schematic illustration of a notification
received through a personal electronic device;
[0024] FIG. 5G is a schematic illustration of a notification
received on a personal computing device;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a dataflow diagram illustrating an exemplary
notification system according to the principles of the present
disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operational sequence
for the virtual queuing control system of FIG. 3;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operational sequence
for the virtual queuing control system of FIG. 3; and
[0028] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operational sequence
for the virtual queuing control system of FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and
is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or
uses. Although the following description is related generally to a
system and method for virtual queuing for a mobile platform (such
as an aircraft, ship, spacecraft, train or land-based motor
vehicle), it will be understood that the system and method for
virtual queuing, as described and claimed herein, may be used with
any appropriate application where it would be desirable to organize
a large group of people, such as in a restaurant or airport.
Therefore, it will be understood that the following discussion is
not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims to only
mobile platforms.
[0030] With reference to FIG. 1, a schematic illustrates an
exemplary aircraft 8 that employs a system and a method for virtual
queuing through a virtual queuing control module 10. The aircraft
8, in this example, is a passenger aircraft 8 that includes a
cockpit 14, a cabin 16 and at least one door 18 for ingress and
egress. The cabin 16 includes a controller 11, at least one crew
area 20, at least one lavatory 22 and at least one passenger
seating system 24. The controller 11 may comprise a computer and/or
processor, and memory to hold instruction and data related to the
virtual queuing control module 10. As shown in FIG. 2A, the cabin
16 may also include a passenger service unit (PSU) 21 that can
enable the passenger to contact a crew member via an attendant call
button 21a, adjust an air flow through a gasper 21b and/or activate
a reading light 21c, as is generally known. The PSU 21 is in
communication with and responsive to the controller 11 through
either a wired or wireless connection (not specifically shown).
[0031] Returning to FIG. 1, he at least one crew area 20 may
include a control panel 23 that can enable the crew to interface
with the virtual queuing control module 10. Thus, the control panel
23 may include at least one user input device and display means,
such as a GUI for example, however, any suitable user input device
and display means could be employed, such as button(s) and a
display screen. The control panel 23 is in communication with and
responsive to the controller 11 through either a wired or wireless
connection (not specifically shown). As shown in FIG. 2 the
lavatory 22 may include at least one condition sensor 25 and at
least one occupant sensor 27. The condition sensor 25 and the
occupant sensor 27 may each be in communication with and responsive
to the controller 111 through either a wired or wireless connection
(not specifically shown). The condition sensor 25 may monitor a
condition of the lavatory 22, such as whether the lavatory 22 is
out of toilet paper, lotion, etc. The occupant sensor 27 may
generate a signal that indicates whether the lavatory 22 is
occupied. Thus, the occupant sensor 27 could comprise one or more
of a weight sensor, RFID sensor, ticket reader, lock bolt sensor,
flush sensor, etc.
[0032] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the passenger seating
system 24 may include an in-flight entertainment system 26 and a
seat assembly 28. As shown in FIG. 2, the in-flight entertainment
system 26 may include an input device 30, such as a GUI, a touch
screen, a button, a touch pen, a keyboard, a joystick, a mouse or
any other suitable user input device that enables a passenger to
interface with the in-flight entertainment system 26. The in-flight
entertainment system 26 is in communication with and responsive to
the controller 11 through either a wired or wireless connection (an
exemplary connection 11a is shown in phantom in FIG. 1). The
in-flight entertainment system 26 may occupy the passenger during
the operation of the aircraft 8 by providing content to the
passenger, such as media, games, etc. The seat assembly 28 includes
a seatbelt 31, a seat cushion 28a, a seat back 28b, an armrest 28c
and a seat sensor 28d. As the seat assembly 28 may be any seat
assembly known in the art, the seat assembly 28 will not be
discussed in great detail herein. Briefly, however, the seatbelt,
when fastened, may secure the passenger to the seat assembly 28.
The seatbelt 31 includes a light source 31a on an outward facing
surface 31b that is responsive to and in communication with the
controller 11 through either wired or wireless connection (not
specifically shown), to light up or change the color of light
source 31a in response to a signal from the controller 11. The seat
cushion 28a may include a vibration device 29, such as a motor,
that is responsive to and in communication with the controller 11,
through either wired or wireless connection (not specifically
shown), to vibrate the seat cushion 28a in response to a signal
from the controller 11. The armrest 28c may include an input device
32, such as a GUI, a touch screen, a button, a touch pen, a
keyboard, a joystick, a mouse or any other suitable user input
device that is in communication with and responsive to the
controller 11 through a wired or wireless connection (not
specifically shown). The seat sensor 28d may be in communication
with and responsive to the controller 11 to generate a signal that
indicates if the seat assembly 28 is occupied. The in-flight
entertainment system 26, armrest 28c and/or PSU 21 may enable a
passenger to interface with the virtual queuing control module
10.
[0033] With reference to FIG. 3, the virtual queuing control module
10 for the aircraft 8 is illustrated in accordance with the
teachings of the present disclosure. The virtual queuing control
module 10 enables the organization of passengers on the aircraft 8
for use of the lavatory 22 and for deplaning through the desired
exit door 18. In this regard, the virtual queuing control module 10
operates to efficiently coordinate the use of the lavatory 22
without requiring passengers to line up or wait outside of the
lavatory 22. This enables the crew to use the aisles without
interference from passengers while also ensuring that the
passengers remain seated until they are queued to use the lavatory
22, as will be discussed. The virtual queuing control module 10
also optimizes passenger usage by coordinating passenger seat
location with the lavatory 22 available nearest their seat assembly
28. The virtual queuing control module 10 also allows the efficient
deplaning of the aircraft 8 as it enables passengers who have to
catch a connecting flight to deplane first, thereby reducing the
chance that a passenger will miss their connecting flight, as will
be discussed.
[0034] As used herein, the term "module" refers to an application
specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a
processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that executes
one or more software or firmware programs, to a combinational logic
circuit, and/or to other suitable components that provide the
described functionality. In FIG. 3, a dataflow diagram illustrates
various components of a virtual queuing system that is embedded
within the virtual queuing control module 10. Various embodiments
of the virtual queuing control module 10 may include any number of
sub-modules embedded within the virtual queuing control module 10.
The sub-modules shown in FIG. 3 may be combined and/or further
partitioned to similarly control the queuing of the passengers
onboard the aircraft 8. Inputs to the virtual queuing control
module 10 are received from other control modules (not shown)
within the aircraft 8, and/or determined by other sub-modules (not
shown) within the virtual queuing control module 10 (not shown).
The virtual queuing control module 10 may also be embedded with
other processing units with in the aircraft architecture while
still serving the purpose described herein. In FIG. 3, the virtual
queuing control module 10 includes a queuing control module 40 and
a notification control module 42.
[0035] The queuing control module 40 receives as input request data
44, occupant data 45 and aircraft or mobile platform data 46. The
input request data 44 comprises input from the passenger(s)
received through either of the user input devices 30, 32, as will
be discussed. The occupant data 45 comprises data generated by the
occupant sensor 27 in the lavatory 22 that is indicative of whether
a passenger is in the lavatory 22. The aircraft data 46 comprises a
model of the aircraft 8, a flight plan for the aircraft 8, such as
a flight schedule status and anticipated turbulence, data
associated with the passengers on the aircraft 8, such as whether
the passenger has a connecting flight, for example, and data
associated with the crew in-flight service schedule, which may be
updated substantially in real-time. Based on the request data 44,
the occupant data 45 and the aircraft data 46, the queuing control
module 40 sets queue data 48 for the notification control module
42. The queue data 48 comprises the passenger(s) next in line for a
particular lavatory 22 or the passenger(s) next in line to deplane
or exit the aircraft 8.
[0036] With reference to FIG. 4, a dataflow diagram illustrates an
exemplary queuing system that may be embedded within the queuing
control module 40. The queuing control module 40 includes a
location control module 50, a queuing module 52 and a queue data
store 53. The location control module 50 receives as input the
request data 44 and the aircraft data 46. The request data 44 may
comprise bathroom request/cancel data 44a and/or deplane
request/cancel data 44b. The bathroom request/cancel data 44a and
deplane request/cancel data 44b may be received via the user input
devices 30, 32, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0037] With reference to FIG. 4, the bathroom request/cancel data
44a comprises a request by the passenger to use the lavatory 22,
and may comprise a desired method of notification when the
passenger is next in line. The bathroom request/cancel data 44a may
also comprise a cancellation request from the passenger to cancel a
prior request to use the lavatory 27. The bathroom request/cancel
data 44a may comprise a request from the passenger to know the
approximate number of passengers in line for the lavatory 22 in
front of the passenger. With regard to the desired method of
notification, with reference to FIG. 5, for example, the passenger
may specify to be notified by the reading light, via a projected
symbol 54, for example. With reference to FIG. 5A, the projected
symbol 54 may be projected to encompass a substantial portion of a
passenger space 54a, in contrast to a regular projection of the
reading light 21c as shown in FIG. 5B. As shown in FIG. 5C, the
projected symbol 54 may be projected from the reading light 21c
onto reading material of the passenger such that the projected
symbol 54 encompasses a large portion of the reading material.
Further, the desired method of notification could comprise a
request to be notified through the in-flight entertainment system
26, via a graphical user interface (GUI), such as a pop-up message,
as shown in FIG. 5D, tactile notification, such as by the vibration
device 29 in the seat cushion 28a, as shown in FIG. 5E, a return of
the seat back 28b to a standard position from a reclined position
(not shown) or a visual signal, such as the illumination of the
light source 31a on the seatbelt 31. The desired method of
notification could comprise a request to be notified by an audible
signal, such as a tone or message played through headphones in
communication with the in-flight entertainment system 26, or
through an audible signal transmitted to a personal electronic
device of the passenger, such as an IPod.TM. (available from Apple,
Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.) as shown in FIG. 5F. Alternatively, if
the passenger is in communication with an intranet onboard the
aircraft 8 via a personal computing device, such as a laptop,
personal data assistant (PDA) or the like, then the passenger could
request to be notified via a GUI or pop-up message displayed on
their personal computing device, as shown in FIG. 5G. The bathroom
request/cancel data 44a may also provide data indicative of a
"bathroom emergency" in which time is of the essence. For example,
in the case of a "bathroom emergency", the passenger may cancel the
request to use the lavatory 22 and go directly to the lavatory
22.
[0038] The deplane request/cancel data 44b may be received via the
user input devices 30, 32, and comprises a request by the passenger
to deplane first or last, for example. In this regard, the deplane
request/cancel data 44b may comprise a request by the passenger to
deplane first because they have a connecting flight that is
scheduled to depart within a close proximity to the arrival time of
the aircraft 8, as verified by the aircraft data 46, and further,
may indicate if the passenger with the connecting flight requires
assistance to exit the aircraft 8. The deplane request/cancel data
44b may also comprise a request by the passenger to deplane last,
as the passenger may require assistance to exit the aircraft 8.
[0039] The aircraft data 46 is also received by the location
control module 50. The aircraft data 46 comprises passenger data
46a and aircraft layout data 46c. The passenger data 46a may
provide the names of the passengers and the assigned seats for the
passengers on the aircraft 8. The passenger data 46a may also
include data regarding whether the passenger has a connecting
flight and the scheduled departure time for the connecting flight.
The passenger data 46a may also include a zone of the aircraft 8
the passenger is located in. The aircraft layout data 46b comprises
data regarding the layout of the aircraft 8, such as a location of
the seat assemblies 28, a location of the egress door 18 and
locations of the lavatory or lavatories 22.
[0040] Based on the bathroom request/cancel data 44a, deplane
request/cancel data 44b, passenger data 46a and aircraft layout
data 46b, the location control module 50 sets location data 56 for
the queuing module 52. The location data 56 may comprise the
location of the passenger making the request, the notification
method desired by the passenger and the lavatory 22 nearest the
passenger, and in some cases the current zone location of the
passenger.
[0041] The queuing module 52 receives as input the location data
56, the occupant data 45 and list data 58. The list data 58
comprises the next passenger on the list for a given lavatory 22,
or the next passenger(s) to deplane. Based on the location data 56,
the queuing module 52 queries the queue data store 53 for the list
data 58. The queue data store 53 may comprise one or more data
storage devices and may be at least one of random access memory
(RAM), read only memory (ROM), a cache, a stack, or the like which
may temporarily or permanently store electronic data. The queue
data store 53 stores electronic data associated with the queue or
wait list for each of the lavatories 22 and for deplaning. Thus,
the queue data store 53 may comprise electronic data that includes
a list of passengers virtually in line for a particular lavatory
22, and a list of passengers in line to deplane first or last.
Based on the location data 56, occupant data 45 and the list data
58, the queuing module 52 outputs the queue data 48. The queue data
48 comprises the next passenger(s) on the list, and if applicable,
the desired notification method for the passenger(s), which may
include priority data associated with the use of the lavatory
22.
[0042] With reference to FIG. 3, the notification control module 42
receives the queue data 48. The notification control module 42 also
receives as input operating condition data 59, such as sensor data
60, crew data 61 and mobile platform data 62. The sensor data 60
may comprise input from the condition sensor 25 in the lavatory 22,
such as a signal indicative that the lavatory 22 is out of toilet
paper. The sensor data 60 may also comprise data from the seat
sensor 28d, which indicates if the passenger is not at his/heir
seat assembly 28. The crew data 61 may comprise a request to delay
the queuing of passenger(s). For example, a crew member might
request to delay queuing of passengers during food and beverage
service, or in the case of unexpected turbulence. Further, a crew
member might request to delay queuing to service the lavatory 22 or
to prevent the use of the lavatory 22 in the case of a malfunction.
The crew might also request a delay if there are problems with
preparing the cabin for deplaning, if the passenger(s) are slow to
deplane, etc. The crew data 61 may be provided through the control
panel 23 in the crew area 20. The mobile platform data 62 may
comprise the travel time for the aircraft 8, along with the
anticipated intervals in which passengers will be instructed to
wear their seatbelts, such as during periods of turbulence and in
preparation for landing and departure.
[0043] Based on the queue data 48, the sensor data 60, the crew
data 61 and the mobile platform data 62, the notification control
module 42 outputs notification data 64. The notification data 64 is
operable to notify the passenger(s), through the desired means, if
applicable, that they are next in line for the lavatory 22 or to
deplane. The notification method for indicating that the
passenger(s) is next for the lavatory 22 may be provided through
the request data 44 entered via the user input devices 30, 32.
Generally, the notification data 64 for indicating that a
particular passenger(s) is to deplane may be a pre-selected uniform
notification method, which can be selected by an airline that
operates the aircraft 8. For example, the standard notification
method could comprise a change in color in the reading light
associated with the passenger(s) that is next to deplane, i.e. the
reading light could turn green, etc. It should be noted that,
although not specifically illustrated, the notification control
module 42 may receive user input after notification of the
passenger that comprises a request from the passenger to be
requeued for the lavatory 22 so that the passenger may finish a
desired task, such as drinking, eating, watching a movie, etc.
[0044] With reference to FIG. 6, a dataflow diagram illustrates an
exemplary notification system that may be embedded within the
notification control module 42. The notification control module 42
may include a flight control module 66 and a notification module
68. The flight control module 66 receives the sensor data 60, crew
data 61 and the mobile platform data 62 as input. Based on the
sensor data 60, crew data 61 and the mobile platform data 62, the
notification control module 42 sets delay data 70 for the
notification module 68. The delay data 70 may comprise data
indicative of whether the next passenger should be queued. In this
regard, in the case of a lavatory request, if the sensor data 60
indicates that attention is needed in the lavatory 22, an attendant
has requested a delay in queuing the next passenger or if the
mobile platform data 62 indicates that the fasten seatbelts sign is
active, then the delay data 70 comprises a signal to delay the next
passenger from using the lavatory 22. In the case of a deplane
request, delay data 70 may be generated if the aircraft 8 has not
reached the terminal, or if the crew needs additional time to
prepare the cabin 16 for deplaning.
[0045] The notification module 68 receives the delay data 70, and
the queue data 48. Based on the delay data 70 and the queue data
48, the notification module 68 outputs notification data 64 that is
indicative of the desired notification method for the passenger(s).
The notification data 64 may comprise light data 64a, symbol data
64b, entertainment data 64c, intranet data 64d, tactile data 64e,
auditory data 64f, visual data 64g, and combinations thereof. The
light data 64a comprises, for example, a change in color of the
reading light 21c, while the symbol data 64b can comprise the
symbol 54 projected by the reading light 21c onto the passenger, as
shown in FIG. 5C. The entertainment data 64c comprises a
notification message that is communicated to the passenger(s) over
the in-flight entertainment system 26, such as a pop-up message,
symbol or other GUI (FIG. 5D). The intranet data 64d comprises a
notification message that is communicated to the passenger(s) over
the personal computing device of the passenger that is in
communication with the intranet on the aircraft 8, and the message
may comprise a pop-up message, symbol or other GUI (FIG. 5G). The
tactile data 64e comprises a notification message that the
passenger(s) feel, such as a vibration in the seat assembly 28
generated by the vibration device 29, or the raising of the seat
back 28b of the passenger(s) from the reclined position, for
example (FIG. 5E). The auditory data 64f comprises a notification
message that is communicated to the passenger(s) via headphones in
communication with the in-flight entertainment system 26, or
personal electronic device (FIG. 5F) and may comprise a tone or
recorded message. The visual data 64g comprises a notification
message that is visually communicated to the passenger via the
seatbelt 31, such as the illumination of the light source 31a (FIG.
2).
[0046] With reference to FIG. 7, a process flow diagram illustrates
an exemplary operational sequence 100 performed by the virtual
queuing control module 10. At operation 102, the method determines
if a request or request data 44 has been received via the user
input devices 30, 32. If no request was received, then the method
loops until the request data 44 is received. If a request is
received, then the method goes to operation 103. In operation 103,
the method determines if a cancellation request has been received
via the request data 44. If a cancellation request has not been
received, the method goes to operation 104. Otherwise, the method
goes to operation 105, in which the method determines if the
passenger is in queue. If the passenger is in queue for either the
lavatory 22 or to deplane, then the method cancels the queues for
the passenger in operation 111 before looping to 102. If the
passenger is not in queue, then the method goes to 102.
[0047] In operation 104, the method determines if the request data
44 comprises bathroom request/cancel data 44a. If the request data
44 comprises bathroom request/cancel data 44a, then the method goes
to A on FIG. 8. Otherwise, the method goes to operation 106, in
which the method determines if the request data 44 comprises a
request to deplane or deplane request/cancel data 44b. If the
request data 44 comprises deplane request/cancel data 44b, then the
method goes to B on FIG. 9. Otherwise, the method goes to operation
113. At operation 113, the method determines if the passenger
request data 44 comprises a request for queue status. If the
request data 44 comprises a request for queue status, then the
method goes to operation 115. At operation 115, the method
determines the number of passengers in line for the lavatory 22
based on the list data 58 and outputs queue status data that
comprises the number of passengers ahead of the requesting
passenger in line. Then, the method loops to operation 102. If in
operation 113 the request data 44 does not comprise a request for
que status, then the method goes to operation 107. At operation
107, the method flags an error and notifies the crew at operation
109. Then, the method ends.
[0048] With reference to FIG. 8, if the request data 44 comprises
bathroom request/cancel data 44a, then at operation 108 the method
determines the location of the passenger who initiated the request
data 44. The location of the passenger may be determined based on
the user input device 30, 32 used to input the request data 44 and
the passenger data 46a. The location of the passenger may comprise
the location of the seat assembly 28 of the passenger as determined
from the user input device 30, 32 or may comprise a zone of the
aircraft 8 the passenger is located in, if, for example, the
passenger is equipped with a radio frequency identification (RFID)
tag (now shown). Next, at operation 110, the method determines the
lavatory 22 nearest the passenger based on the passenger seat
location or passenger location (if known), and the aircraft model
data 46b. At operation 112, the method determines if a list or
virtual line exists for that lavatory 22 based on the list data 58.
If no virtual line exists for the lavatory 22, then in operation
114 the method generates a list with the requesting passenger at
the top of the list. The method then goes to operation 116.
[0049] Otherwise, if a virtual line or list data 58 exists for the
lavatory 22, then the method adds the passenger to the list in
operation 118. It should be noted that if the bathroom
request/cancel data 44a indicates that a "bathroom emergency" is
present, then the method may add the passenger to the top of the
virtual line such that the passenger is the next individual queued
for the lavatory 22 nearest the passenger. In operation 120, the
method determines if the lavatory 22 is available. The method
determines if the lavatory 22 is available based on the data
received from the occupant data 45. If the lavatory 22 is not
available, then the method loops until the lavatory 22 is
available. If the lavatory 22 is available, then the method goes to
operation 122.
[0050] In operation 122, the method determines who the next person
is on the list for the lavatory 22 based on the list data 58. In
operation 116, the method determines if notification of the
individual is allowed. The method determines if notification is
allowed based on the delay data 70. If the delay data 70 indicates
that a delay is requested, then the method goes to operation 124.
In operation 124, the method does not notify the individual, and
loops until notification is allowed.
[0051] Once notification is allowed in operation 126, the method
notifies the passenger that the lavatory 22 is available based on
the desired notification method received with the bathroom
request/cancel data 44a. Then, in operation 128, the method removes
the passenger from the list, and thus, updates the list data 58.
Next, the method goes to C, on FIG. 7.
[0052] With reference to FIG. 7, if the request data 44 comprises
deplane request/cancel data 44b, the method goes to B on FIG. 9.
With reference to FIG. 9, the method, at operation 200, determines
if the passenger has a connecting flight. The method may determine
if the passenger has a connecting flight based on the information
contained in the passenger data 46a. For example, the connecting
flight could be entered by the passenger and verified by the
airline operating the aircraft 8. At operation 202, if the
passenger does not have a connecting flight, then at operation 204,
the method determines the location of the passenger seat based on
the deplane request/cancel data 44b and the aircraft model data
46b. Then, at operation 208, the method adds the passenger to a
list of passenger(s) needing assistance in order to exit the
aircraft 8. The method goes to operation 210.
[0053] Otherwise, if, at operation 202, the passenger has a
connecting flight, then the method goes to operation 212. At
operation 212, the method determines the location of the passenger
seat, based on the location of the user input device 30, 32 used to
enter the deplane request/cancel data 44b, and the aircraft model
data 46b. At operation 214, the method generates a connecting
flight list that includes passenger(s) ordered based on the
connecting flight and the departure time of the connecting flight,
which may be updated in real-time. The method then goes to
operation 215. At operation 215, the method determines if the
passenger with the connecting flight also needs assistance. If
assistance is requested, then the method goes to operation 208.
Otherwise, the method goes to operation 210.
[0054] At operation 210, the method determines if all deplane
request/cancel data 44b has been received for the aircraft 8. This
could be determined based on the expiration of a period of time,
for example. If all of the deplane request/cancel data 44b has not
been received, then the method loops. Otherwise, the method goes to
operation 216. At operation 216, the method notifies passenger(s)
to deplane based on the list data 58 for the virtual line to
deplane generated. The passenger(s) may be notified by the
notification data 64 through any appropriate means, such as through
the reading light, audible tones, etc., as discussed herein. Then,
in operation 218, the method determines whether all the
passenger(s) with connecting flights have deplaned. The method may
determine if all the passenger(s) have deplaned based on the delay
data 70. In this regard, if no delay data 70 is received, such as
through the crew requesting a delay to enable the remaining
passenger(s) to exit, then the method may go to operation 220. In
addition, it should be noted that the method may determine that all
passenger(s) with connecting flights have deplaned based on the
expiration of a pre-selected time period. If all of the
passenger(s) have not deplaned, then the method loops to operation
216. Otherwise, the method goes to operation 220.
[0055] At operation 220, the method notifies passenger(s) not on
the assistance list or the generated list of passenger(s) with
connecting flights to deplane. The passenger(s) may be notified
through any appropriate means, such as through the reading light,
audible tones, etc., as discussed herein. Then, the method goes to
operation 222. At operation 222, the method determines if all of
the passenger(s) not requiring assistance have deplaned. The method
may determine if all the passenger(s) not requiring assistance have
deplaned based on the delay data 70 and/or the expiration of a
pre-selected time period, however, any suitable technique could be
employed. If the passenger(s) not requiring assistance have not all
deplaned, then the method loops to operation 220. Otherwise, the
method goes to operation 224.
[0056] At operation 224, the method notifies passenger(s) on the
assistance list to deplane and may notify the crew to assist the
passenger(s) on the assistance list. The passenger(s) may be
notified through any appropriate notification data 64, such as
through the reading light, audible tones, etc., as discussed
herein. The crew may be notified through the control panel 23, for
example. Then, the method goes to operation 226. At operation 226,
the method determines if all of the passenger(s) have deplaned. The
method may determine if all the passenger(s) have deplaned based on
the delay data 70 and/or the expiration of a pre-selected time
period, however, any suitable technique could be employed. If the
passenger(s) have not all deplaned, then the method loops to
operation 224. Otherwise, the method ends.
[0057] While specific examples have been described in the
specification and illustrated in the drawings, it will be
understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various
changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements
thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure
as defined in the claims. Furthermore, the mixing and matching of
features, elements and/or functions between various examples is
expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the
art would appreciate from this disclosure that features, elements
and/or functions of one example may be incorporated into another
example as appropriate, unless described otherwise, above.
Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure
without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it
is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the
particular examples illustrated by the drawings and described in
the specification as the best mode presently contemplated for
carrying out this disclosure, but that the scope of the present
disclosure will include any embodiments falling within the
foregoing description and the appended claims.
* * * * *